Author: Prasanta Jena, Dr. Dipti Ranjan Maharana

Keywords: authority, identity, language, postcolonial, power dynamics, society, theatre

Abstract: Indian English theatre, with its rich socio-political themes, has played a significant role in reflecting the cultural and political struggles of postcolonial India. One of the most prominent playwrights in this genre is Vijay Tendulkar, whose works often delve into the complexities of power, identity, and societal structures. Ghasiram Kotwal, one of his most notable plays, critiques the exploitation of the marginalized by the ruling elites and explores the dynamics of power and language within a hierarchical society. This paper explores the power dynamics and linguistic hegemony in Vijay Tendulkar's Ghasiram Kotwal through a postcolonial lens. Set in 18th-century Pune during the Peshwa rule, the play critiques both indigenous and colonial power structures by examining the rise and fall of Ghasiram, a low-caste man who gains temporary power only to be undone by the very systems he sought to control. Through the character of Nana Phadnavis, Tendulkar portrays the manipulative authority of colonial rulers, mirroring the ways in which colonial power structures were maintained through local elites. The paper focuses on how language serves as both a tool of oppression and resistance. By analyzing shifts in Ghasiram’s speech patterns as he gains and loses power, the study examines how linguistic authority reinforces social stratification. Drawing on postcolonial theories by Homi Bhabha and Ngugi wa Thiong'o, it is argued that language operates as a key instrument in the maintenance of colonial power, and its subversion becomes a site of resistance. Additionally, the paper examines the use of Brechtian techniques in Ghasiram Kotwal, where the play’s form disrupts the audience’s expectations and questions the prevailing socio-political order. Ultimately, this study highlights the continued relevance of Ghasiram Kotwal in contemporary theatre, offering insights into the intersections of power, language, and postcolonial resistance. It calls for further analysis of these themes in Indian English theatre and underscores the lasting impact of performance in shaping postcolonial identities.

Article Info: Received: 14 Jan 2025; Received in revised form: 11 Feb 2025; Accepted: 17 Feb 2025; Available online: 22 Feb 2025

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.101.26